Finding the right camping gear can make or break a trip, especially when you’re camping with kids. At Mom Goes Camping, gear reviews come from real use in the field, not just spec sheets. From the mountains of Serbia to trails across the Balkans and beyond, every product recommendation on this site has been tested in actual camping conditions with children in tow.
This category covers everything you need to camp comfortably and safely as a family: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp kitchens, lighting, backpacks, child carriers, and more. You’ll find honest comparisons, budget-friendly picks, and ultralight options for families who want to move fast on the trail without sacrificing comfort at camp.
Whether you’re outfitting your first camping trip or upgrading gear you’ve had for years, the reviews here are written to help you spend your money wisely. No sponsored fluff, no gear you don’t actually need. Just honest recommendations from a mom who has been camping with her kids for over a decade.
I have a lot of tents, including two old, cheaper tents with fiberglass poles. I let some friends borrow these tents to go camping at a music festival (no way my good ultralight tents are going to a festival!). They ended up having a terrible time because a super-cell storm blew through the festival. Yes,
How to Fix a Broken Tent Pole with No Special Equipment Read More »
For nearly five years, I used the same Primus Express canister stove for backpacking. After enduring lots of abuse, I finally had to put it to rest (flames were coming from places they shouldn’t!). I went to my local outdoor store, saw a remote canister stove on sale and impulsively bought it. Now that I
What Is a Remote Canister Backpacking Stove? Read More »
Let’s be clear: your kids probably don’t need a cot for camping. For years, my kids just slept on a cheap $15 foam pad and never once complained about being uncomfortable (they fall asleep so quickly when outdoors all day long that comfort isn’t really an issue; adults are another story though!). Read more about
Best Kids Camping Cots, As Chosen By an Outdoorsy Mom Read More »
Let’s be clear: so long as you are following the principles of Leave No Trace, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to hike. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t likely to get a bunch of weird looks if you carrying an umbrella while hiking or backpacking.
Best Hiking Umbrellas, and Are They Really Worth It? Read More »
One “luxury” backpacking item which can be really worth its weight is a skillet or frying pan. Having one greatly increases the types of foods you can make on the trail. For example, you’ll be able to cook up pancakes, quesadillas, sausage, cinnamon rolls, eggs you got during refueling trips in town, and even pizzas.
Best Lightweight Frying Pans and Skillets for Backpacking Read More »
For years, I used a self-inflating sleeping pad or foam pad when backpacking. When I finally switched over to an inflatable pad, I was surprised at how annoying it was to blow up.
Ultralight Pumps for Sleeping Pads? 4 Options Read More »